IH Credit Union - Credit Lines Newsletter · IH Credit Union - Credit Lines Newsletter Budgeting for Your First Home Tips for boosting your credit, building a budget and acknowledging

IH Credit Union - Credit Lines Newsletter Volume Issue • May 2017

In This Issue:

2017 M. Angela Theriac Memorial ScholarshipBuying or refinancing?Budgeting for Your First HomeTips for boosting your credit, building a budget and acknowledging hidden costs

What You Should Know About Getting Your First Auto Insurance PolicyThere are certain things first-time buyers should know before purchasing insurance

Why You Should Avoid Personal LendingA loan from a financial institution is best

Should You Max Out Your HSA?Being strategic about your HSA now can help you in retirement

Auto Lending StatisticsTrends in motor vehicle financing

5 Amazon Prime Originals You Need to SeeEntertain yourself by watching one of these Amazon Prime original programs

Visit Asheville, North CarolinaWhere to go, eat and stay during your trip to Asheville, North Carolina

Vehicle Details: Best Cars for SummerGet ready to hit the road in style

12 Best New Nonfiction ReadsLearn something new in these great nonfiction reads

Best Veggies for GrillingFour veggies that should be on your grill this summer

Minimalist Mindset: How to Live with LessHow to adopt a minimalist mindset and live with less

IH Credit Union - Credit Lines Newsletter


2017 M. Angela Theriac Memorial Scholarship

We want to thank all of the outstanding students that applied for our 2017 M. Angela TheriacScholarship. This years chosen recipient is Peyton Mercer from Northeastern High School. Peytonhas been involved in many school and community activities including: the Northeastern Chapter of theFFA, the Breast Cancer Endowment Fund of Clark County, and the the Lauren Faith MillerFoundation. She also played softball and has been a four-year member of the marching band. Peytonhas always made her school work a priority and is ranked at the top of her class with a 4.0 GPA.

Peyton plans to attend The Ohio State University in the fall where she will begin working towards hergoal of becoming an anesthesiologist. She is a hardworking and determined young lady, and we arepleased to award her with the 2017 M. Angela Theriac Scholarship. We know her future is bright andthat she will be successful in all of her upcoming endeavors!

IH Credit Union • 937-390-1800 • http://www.ihcreditunion.com/



Buying or refinancing?




Budgeting for Your First HomeTips for boosting your credit, building a budget and acknowledginghidden costs

Making the leap from renting to purchasing a home is no small feat; it takes a great deal ofconfidence, a considerable amount of legwork and no shortage of capital. If you have made thedecision to purchase your first home, you will likely encounter a number of questions throughout theprocess. Perhaps no question is as important as that of how you plan to pay for it.

Your credit score matters

The single biggest roadblockbetween a prospective homeownerand their first home purchase maybe their credit score. Since you arenot likely to have the money onhand to pay for a significant portionof your home, you will need toborrow money from a lender.Sheyna Steiner, investing analystand writer for Bankrate.com, notesthat your credit will not always beas exceptional as you might believeeven if you pay your bills on time.

“The amount of credit you’re usingrelative to your available credit limit,or your credit utilization ratio, cansink a credit score,” she says. “Thelower the utilization rate, the higheryour score will be. Ideally, first-time homebuyers would have a lot of credit available, with less than athird of it used.”

In its definition of credit utilization ratio—the outstanding balances on your credit cards divided by thesum of their limits—Investopedia.com writes that “credit issuers like to see a credit utilization ratio ofapproximately 35 percent or less.”

If you believe that you are above that percentage, Steiner recommends beginning the process ofimproving your credit by whittling down outstanding balances at least six months before seriouslyshopping for a home.

Front- and back-end ratios

Lenders also consider the factors of your front-end and back-end ratios. The former refers to howmuch of your monthly income can be committed to paying for monthly housing expenses, while thelatter refers to how much of your monthly income can be committed to all outstanding debts (e.g.mortgage payments, car payments, student loan payments, etc.).

Steiner notes that lenders are generally more concerned with your back-end ratio; while she writesthat financial institutions tend to prefer ratios of 36 percent or lower, “some borrowers get approvedwith back-end ratios of 45 percent or higher.”

Whatever the case may be, it is imperative that you are able to balance your finances appropriatelybefore you can determine how much you are able to afford on a monthly basis. Niccole Schreck,rental experience expert for Rent.com writing for U.S. News & World Report, calls a budget “a fluiddocument that will require tweaks along the way”; if you are utilizing a six-month window to clean upyour credit, use that same time to create a budget based on your month-to-month expenses. This willgive you a better idea of how much you are able to afford for your mortgage before beginning yoursearch.

Commonly forgotten costs

When preparing your budget and anticipating initial costs in the home-buying process, there are anumber of “hidden costs” that are easily overlooked. Andrea Browne Taylor of Kiplinger.com writesthat five of the most common hidden costs are home inspections, appraisal fees, closing costs, settingup an escrow account, and maintenance and repair.

Home inspections and appraisals are fixed costs estimated between $200 and $600 each. Closingcosts are an additional 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price on top of any down payment to covervarious fees and taxes. Paying into escrow is often required by lenders and sees your monthlymortgage payment increased to accommodate annual tax and insurance bills. Maintenance and repairare variable, ongoing costs, but they are particularly prevalent in the first year of home ownership.

Schreck also adds moving costs as an overlooked source of expense in the homebuying process. Hermethodology for setting up a budget for moving expenses involves determining how far you plan onmoving away from your current location, the anticipated rental rate for vehicles and equipment,anticipated costs with regards to supplies (e.g. cardboard boxes, tape, packing materials) and whetheror not you intend to hire movers.

If you believe that you are ready to purchase your first home, consider all costs before making theleap. When it comes to such a life-changing decision, knowledge is the ultimate asset, and it can bethe difference between maintaining a blissful homestead and being in over your head.




What You Should Know About Getting Your FirstAuto Insurance PolicyThere are certain things first-time buyers should know beforepurchasing insurance

You have your first set of wheels and now it’s time to buy insurance. Before signing on with anyinsurance company, there are certain factors you should consider.

The basics of getting your first auto insurance policy

According to a May 2016 article in The Balance by personal lines insurance agent Emily Delbridge,you should consider being added into someone else’s existing policy, as this will be mostcost-effective.

Auto insurance companies will look at your insurance history to determine whether they want to insureyou and how much they will charge for your policy. The riskier you are deemed, the more expensiveyour insurance premiums willbe—and as Delbridge notes, as afirst-time car bu yer, you will haveno prior insurance history. Asinsurance companies oftenconsider previously uninsureddrivers to be high risk, especiallyteen drivers, you could end uppaying a costly monthly premium.

Conversely, being added to anexisting car insurance policy, suchas a parent’s, will help to keep yourmonthly payments at low or evenno cost. As a driver under someoneelse’s policy, you can takeadvantage of certain discounts andbenefits that are applied to thepolicy as it expands to includemultiple vehicles.

If you can’t be added to an existing policy, there are ways to go about curbing your costs. Make sureto shop around and compare insurance policies to find the cheapest rate before signing on with anycompany. If you can swing it, you can also opt to pay the entire insurance policy up-front; manyinsurance companies offer a discount on the premium if you pay it in full, according to Delbridge.

No matter what insurance company you choose, Delbridge advises first-time auto insurance buyers tostart shopping around again after six months of coverage. You’ll have enough prior proof of insuranceto show your commitment to continuous coverage and be deemed less of a risk, which can help youachieve a lower rate.

Understanding what you’re buying and why

If you are buying your own insurance, it’s important to know what the coverage types are and whatthey cover, and why you’re buying them.

According to a December 2016 article in Investopedia by contributor Lisa Smith, the primary benefitsof auto insurance are protecting your health and your assets (in this case, your vehicle). There arethree standard types of coverage within an auto insurance policy—liability, collision andcomprehensive coverage. The first covers damage to another person’s property and pays forthird-party injuries and death-related claims caused by your vehicle, and is required in almost allstates. The second, as it is aptly named, covers damage to your vehicle and is required if you areleasing the vehicle or have taken out a loan, though it is still important to consider even if you own thecar. Lastly, comprehensive coverage pays for damage incurred as a result of events like theft, fire orwater issues, such as flooding. Minimum coverage rates will vary depending on the state, so it’s

important to check with your state while making your decisions.

There are certain additional factors that will determine the rate you’re offered. Your deductible is theamount of money you agree to pay out of pocket before the insurance policy will cover the damage;the higher your deductible is, the lower your monthly payment will be, says Smith.

Age and gender will also impact your insurance rates, with younger drivers and male drivers havinghigher rates. Even the area you live in helps determine your premium, as the rate of crime in yourarea is considered in the calculation, reports Smith. The more crime in your area, the more at risk youand your vehicle are deemed, and the more you will pay.

It’s also important to note that although flashy, new sports car would look great in your driveway, thetype of vehicle you have will impact your rate. According to Smith, older vehicles, less expensivevehicles and sedans often have lower premiums than sports cars or expensive models.




Why You Should Avoid Personal LendingA loan from a financial institution is best

Avoiding paperwork and getting low or no interest makes a loan from a friend or family member seemlike a great idea, but the complications that arise in personal lending situations make them seldomworth the trouble.

Firstly, if the money is lentinterest-free, that can createproblems with below-marketinterest legislation. This is a bigdeal because avoiding interest isone of the main reasons peopleseek loans between familymembers. This is an issue becausethe IRS wants to ensure thatpeople don’t try to get out of payingtaxes on financial gifts bydisguising them as loans. In orderto remain in compliance with theIRS and make it clear that thetransfer of money is a loan and nota gift, it may be necessary tocalculate the interest that wouldhypothetically be paid on the sumat the current applicable federalrate (AFR), even if that interest isnever actually paid. This is known as imputed interest.

“Then you get to pay real, live income taxes on the imaginary interest,” states Bill Bischoff ofMarketWatch. “The imaginary interest payments can also trigger imaginary gifts from you to theborrower, which may eat into your valuable federal gift and estate tax exemption.”

There are differences in the ways that loans between family members are treated depending onwhether the repayment is achieved through a set term schedule or it is considered a demand loan,which means that the lender may demand the money back at any time. The need to calculate imputedinterest and make income tax payments on the interest is dependent upon the amount of the loan.Those interested in making a loan between family members should therefore talk to their taxprofessional to determine if below-interest tax rules may be an issue and if interest needs to becharged or imputed interest calculated.

While these legal and financial issues can definitely create their share of problems, the main reason toavoid lending between family members is the personal and emotional impact it can cause. Moneyowed between family members can cause tension in the relationships and even tempt people to avoidsocial interactions and family gatherings. If the borrower is not able to repay on a timely schedule, therelationship can be seriously compromised.

Furthermore, if the loan is for a new business or home, it may be especially problematic to get themoney from a family member. When a family member lends money to cover a down payment orbusiness startup costs, he or she may feel entitled to become part of the decision-making process,giving you input on how to run the business or which type of home is the best deal. People may dothis because they feel their advice can make it more likely you will succeed in repayment, or becausethey feel their investment has bought them a stake in the home or business venture.

“One of the disadvantages of owing money to loved ones is that it may open up unwanted dialogueabout your spending habits,” states April Maguire, writer for the QuickBooks Resource Center.“Whereas a bank won’t tell you to stop going out to dinner or discourage you from buying a new car,lenders who are also friends or family may criticize you for spending money on extravagances whenyou have yet to repay your debt.”

It can be hard to set up and maintain a clear separation between the financial agreement and the

relationship when dealing with a personal lending situation. On the other hand, once a financialinstitution deems you worthy of a loan, it gives you autonomy to make your own business,homebuying and budgeting decisions.

Sticking with your financial institution helps you avoid all the hassles associated with personal lendingand ensures that your relationships are never put at risk. Furthermore, it allows you to build a solidcredit history with your timely repayments.




Should You Max Out Your HSA?Being strategic about your HSA now can help you in retirement

Health savings accounts (HSAs) are tax-advantaged medical savings accounts designed to helppeople cover the out-of-pocket costs they incur while enrolled in a high-deductible health plan(HDHP). Despite HSAs being designed to help people manage medical expenses, their structure andtax benefits make them a useful tool for retirement savings as well.

If you have an HDHP and open an HSA, the funds have a threefold tax advantage. First, the funds canbe withheld from your paycheck, or you can make deductions yourself. That’s where the first taxadvantage comes in. Either the deposited funds are made with pretax dollars, or you can deduct yourcontributions.

The second tax advantage is thatthe money in the account growstax free, similar to funds within a401(k) or an IRA. Third, yourwithdrawals are not taxed, providedthat you are using the money forqualified medical expenses. Youcan find all the details about whichexpenses qualify on the InternalRevenue Service (IRS) website at

https://www.irs.gov/publications/p969/ar02.html#en_US_2016_publink1000204081.

“If you receive distributions for other reasons, the amount you withdraw will be subject to income taxand may be subject to an additional 20 percent tax,” states the IRS.

One potential reason more people don’t take advantage of this great tax-advantaged program isbecause they confuse it with a flexible spending account (FSA). With an FSA, if there are funds leftover at the end of the year, they might not roll over to the next year, although some plans allow a setamount to roll over. Unused funds within an HSA, on the other hand, roll over in their entirety.

The ability to roll funds over makes plain why an HSA is such a great tool for saving on medical costs,but it still doesn’t explain why so many people recommend HSAs as retirement savings tools. Thereason for that is the added penalty for withdrawing funds for non-qualifying expenses goes away afteryou reach the age of 65. Once you reach age 65, the money can be withdrawn for non-medicalexpenses and taxed as income, which is similar to how withdrawals from an IRA are treated.

“Because HSA rules allow funds to carryover indefinitely with the triple tax-free benefit of funds goingin tax-free, growing tax-free and coming out tax-free for qualified medical expenses, I have yet to finda reason that someone wouldn’t choose to max out their HSA before funding their 401(k) or otherretirement account beyond their employer’s match,” states Forbes contributor Kelley Long.

Another attractive feature of an HSA is the ability to keep the funds in mutual funds or otherinvestments. This depends upon how it is set up initially, so if your priority is to invest in mutual funds,make sure you do your research and read the fine print beforehand. Your financial institution can helpyou compare all of your retirement savings and investment opportunities so you can come up with thebest plan of action.




Auto Lending StatisticsTrends in motor vehicle financing

Financing a vehicle? You’re not alone—the Federal Reserve found that in 2015, 65.9 percent of autobuyers used a lender of some sort to finance their purchase—andsome interesting facts have arisenfrom various sources about this segment of the population.

In the Fed’s Report on theEconomic Well-Being of U.S.Households in 2015, it is statedthat 31 percent of auto loans aremade for 61 months or longer.Furthermore, 12 percent of carbuyers who used a loan to financetheir purchase had a longerrepayment period than expected.

Together, those using auto loansfrom the seller, a financialinstitution or internet lender, orother means compiled a debt of$1.06 trillion in the last quarter of2015, according to an analysisfrom WalletHub. This figure is upmore than 11 percent from $0.95trillion the previous year. Percapita, the auto loan debt balancehas risen more than 9 percent,from $3,720 to $4,070.

Subprime lending on the rise

Another staggering statistic is the increase in loan approvals to people with substandard credit. Whilethis is great for the auto industry—and even better for the folks with lower credit scores—it is putting abit of a scare in the marketplace. And it may not be as beneficial as it initial seems for the borrowers,too.

According to Business Insider, 47 percent of loans in the first half of 2016 went to borrowers with lessthan a 680 credit score. Additionally, 21 percent of all loans had a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of morethan 120 percent. Drilling down even further, one in eight loans are approved to borrowers who have acredit score of less than 620 and an LTV of more than 100 percent.

“To put this in plain English: Half the loans are going to risky borrowers, and the banks are givingmany of them more money than the car itself is worth,” says Matt Turner, deputy executive editor atBusiness Insider.

Based on those numbers, it’s no surprise that 2 percent of subprime balances became at least 90days delinquent in the third quarter of 2015, as the New York Times reported. For reference, thatfigure peaked in 2009 during the depth of the recession at 2.4 percent.

What’s more, those with lower credit scores, and who are therefore considered at higher risk fordelinquency, end up paying much more interest—adding to the balance of a loan a borrower alreadycan’t afford to pay.

“Overall, buyers who have fair credit will end up spending about six times more to finance a vehiclethan someone with excellent credit, which equates to $6,403 in additional interest payments over thelife of a $20K, five-year loan,” writes Wallet Hub senior writer and editor John S Kiernan.

So what does this all mean for you? It’s simple—if you are like most people and want to finance yournext vehicle purchase, just be smart and ensure you don’t become one of these subprime statistics.




5 Amazon Prime Originals You Need to SeeEntertain yourself by watching one of these Amazon Prime originalprograms

When you think of Amazon, you probably think of their shopping and shipping services. However,Amazon is also in the entertainment business. In fact, Amazon’s Prime service is connecting viewerswith a variety of original shows and programming.

Ranging from the hilarious to the harrowing, the series from Amazon Prime are some of the mostdiverse in the world of entertainment today. Therefore, there is some kind of program for everyone toenjoy. The following are just some of the Amazon Prime originals that you need to see.

“The Man in the High Castle”

What if Germany and Japan hadwon World War II? That is preciselythe question asked by “The Man inthe High Castle.” Based upon the1962 novel of the same name,“The Man in the High Castle” takesplace in a divided United States.The eastern half of the country iscontrolled by Germany, while thewestern half is controlled by Japan.

The second season, which wasrecently released, only adds moremystery and drama to thedystopian setting, showcasing thedarker side of the Americanresistance as well. With a thirdseason on the way, viewers willhave to continue guessing wherethis alternate future is heading.

“Transparent”

Perhaps Amazon’s most highly-rated original program, “Transparent” revolves around the oftenoverlooked transgender community. Jeffery Tambor stars as Maura Pfefferman. Maura was bornMorton, but she always identified as a woman, which comes as a shock to her three children. Maura’schildren face issues of their own, and the Pfefferman family soon learns to rely upon each other forsupport.

While each member of the main cast has received praise for their role, Tambor especially stands out.In fact, he won both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his role as Maura.

“Sneaky Pete”

One of the latest dramas from Amazon Prime, “Sneaky Pete” revolves not around Pete, but rather hiscellmate Marius. Recently released from jail and on the run from some dangerous people, Mariusadopts the identity of Pete and meets up with his cellmate’s estranged family.

However, Marius soon discovers that Pete’s family members harbor some dark secrets of their own.Now he must rely upon his trickery and skills to get him out of tight situations. More dire situationsawait Marius, as Amazon Prime has renewed the series for a second season.

“Mozart in the Jungle”

Part comedy, part drama and all entertaining, “Mozart in the Jungle” explores the mayhem of themodern world of music. Aspiring oboist Hailey hopes to achieve her dream of playing for the New YorkSymphony. Her quest to do so brings her face-to-face with Rodrigo De Souza, the eccentricconductor of said symphony.

Tension builds between Rodrigo and the New York Symphony conductor emeritus, ThomasPembridge, who is played brilliantly by veteran actor Malcolm McDowell. Of course, the acting chopsof Gael García Bernal, who plays Rodrigo, cannot be denied, either. After all, he won a Golden Globefor Best Actor in a Television Series for his role.

“The Grand Tour”

If you are a fan of “Top Gear,” then you will definitely be a fan of “The Grand Tour.” A reunion betweenformer “Top Gear” hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May, “The Grand Tour”follows in the footsteps of the British automotive program.

Clarkson, Hammond and May bring their comedy skills and knowledge of all things automotive tovarious locations across the globe. There are even more places for the trio to explore, as the secondseason of “The Grand Tour” is scheduled for November of this year.

If any of these series sound right up your alley, then don’t hesitate to sign up for an Amazon Primesubscription and start indulging in these entertaining programs.




Visit Asheville, North CarolinaWhere to go, eat and stay during your trip to Asheville, NorthCarolina

One of Appalachia’s hidden gems, Asheville is a relatively small but cosmopolitan city situated snuglybetween the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. Southern charm mixes effortlessly with Europeaninfluences in the “Land of the Sky,” which offers a lot for visitors to see and experience during theirtime in North Carolina. Here are some of the best activities, restaurants and lodging options availablein Asheville.

What to do

There is much to explore inAsheville, but perhaps noneighborhood will give visitors abetter sense of the city’s vibrantcommunity than River Arts District.Here, formerly abandonedwarehouses have been turned intoworking studios for over 100 artists.The spaces are open to the public,and also near popular restaurant12 Bones Smokehouse andacclaimed microbrewery WedgeBrewing Company.

Asheville has an excellent musicscene, with everything frombluegrass to alternative rock. Tohear some of the former, head tobeloved dive bar Root Bar No. 1,where some of the city’s most talented acoustic musicians routinely play. Big-name acts, includingartists ranging from Bob Dylan to Sonic Youth, tend to play the Orange Peel Social Aid and PleasureClub. Smashing Pumpkins and the Beastie Boys both had one-year residencies at the Orange Peel in2007 and 2009, respectively, and They Might Be Giants even recorded a song about the musicalestablishment for their “Venue Songs” album.

Outdoorsmen and -women will love the fact that Asheville is closely situated to some great natureareas. Essential visits include Chimney Rock State Park, named for a 315-foot tall granite cliffaccessible by elevator, and the Appalachian Trail, portions of which run through the mountainssurrounding Asheville.

In terms of landmarks, Asheville’s most famous is easily the nearly 7,000-acre Biltmore Estate, agorgeous relic of the Gilded Age. George Washington Vanderbilt II built the estate’s main mansion,the 178,926-square-foot Biltmore House, in 1895, and it remains the largest privately owned house inthe United States.

Where to stay

If you want to live like an obscenely wealthy industrialist for a few days, book a ridiculously lavishroom at the Inn at Biltmore Estate. The prices range from $299 to $2,000 a night, but you get whatyou pay for at this luxury retreat, which offers fly-fishing, horseback riding and Land Rover excursions.Overnight stays also include access to Antler Hill Village & Winery. To make your reservations, headto the Biltmore’s website .

Another excellent hotel teeming with old world charm is the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, aTudor-style lodge located adjacent to the Biltmore Estate. Culture and fine dining are both available onthe premises, as the hotel houses the Grand Bohemian Gallery, which features the works ofinternational and local artists, and the Red Stag Grill, which serves locally sourced steaks and a verypopular and unique river elk tenderloin. More information can be found at the hotel’s website .

Where to eat

Where to eat

It’s hard to find a better breakfast in all of Asheville than the one at Early Girl Eater, which usesingredients from local farmers to create delicious dishes, such as the sausage and sweet potatoscramble. To many, the retro 1950s design will be as delightfully familiar as the quality comfort food.

More comfort food staples can be found at Mayfel’s, a restaurant serving up classic Creole and Cajundishes. From spicy jambalaya to seafood etouffée, the menu is stuffed with Louisiana-inspiredcreations, including Cajun pickles, which have proven so popular that Mayfel’s sells them as souvenirs.Mayfel’s also has the advantage of being located right across from Pritchard Park, which is home tolive music and drum circles that can be enjoyed from the restaurant’s outdoor patio.

To get a taste of the diversity that defines Asheville’s eclectic dining scene, head to Mela, an Indianrestaurant that has earned acclaim from The New York Times for deftly blending “imported spiceswith local ingredients.” The publication singled out dishes including Chowpatty ragada and shrimpbhuna as being among the best the city has to offer.

With great food, a rich culture and luxurious lodging options, Asheville has a lot going for it. Let thisguide help you plan your trip today.




Vehicle Details: Best Cars for SummerGet ready to hit the road in style

With the warmer months finally here, it’s time to start planning that summer vacation you’ve beendreaming of. Here are a few vehicles that are ideal travel companions whether you’re heading outalone or with the family.

Kia Soul: For the money, youcan’t get much better than thenewest Kia Soul. Currently residingas the No. 1 ranked Compact byU.S. News & World Report, theSoul was also named to the BestCars for the Money and Best Carsfor Families list. The Soul (MSRP$16,100) is available in Base, +and ! trim levels, and is now alsoavailable with a turbocharged1.6-liter four-cylinder engine thatmakes over 200 hp. You can haulover 60 cubic feet of stuff, and theSoul can also be equipped withleather upholstery, ventilated frontseats and a Harman/Kardon®audio system, making it a greatchoice for road trips.

Ford Mustang: There are fewvehicles as iconic as the Ford Mustang, and whether you choose the Coupe (also referred to asFastback) or Convertible, summer is always better with a sports car. Starting with the 2017 MustangFastback (MSRP $25,185), you get a 300 hp V6 with the Shelby GT350 cranking out a tremendous526 hp. There are four engine choices. For those who want the open-air feeling of a convertible, theMustang gives you the best of both worlds. “For the money, in the segment, nothing can touch it. Noteven excuses,” says Autoblog about the Mustang. Available features include the SYNC infotainmentsystem, Shaker Pro audio system and a navigation system.

Honda Ridgeline: A pickup may normally be associated with winter driving, but the 2017 Ridgeline(MSRP $29,475) isn’t your typical compact pickup. Currently sitting atop the U.S. News & WorldReport’s list of the best Compact Pickups, the Ridgeline has many features that set it apart from thecompetition and make it a great summer vehicle. A lockable in-bed trunk with drain plug can be usedas a 7.3 cubic foot cooler, while the truck bed audio system and available 150-watt/400-watt trunk-bedoutlets allow you to plug in a TV or other electronics, making it the ultimate party vehicle. “No matterhow it’s outfitted, the Ridgeline is a no-brainer of a truck: unmatched in smoothness and comfort, andfull of innovation well beyond its unibody construction,” Car and Driver writes. “It deserved far moresales than it netted in its inaugural generation. Here’s hoping this one realizes its full potential.”

Chrysler Pacifica: A minivan is a great vehicle for any family road trip and the new Pacifica ensureseveryone will be comfortable and happy. It was recently named the Best New Family Car for 2017 byCars.com. Some of the family-friendly features you’ll find are the available Uconnect Theater with10.1-inch touchscreens and integrated games, and a 20-speaker Harman Kardon premium audiosystem. The Pacifica benefits from the convenience of Stow ’n Go and a class-exclusive Easy TiltSeating that gives third-row passengers easier access to their seats. The Stow ’n Vac integratedvacuum helps clean up any messes that may happen along the way too. All Pacifica models areefficient, but you can also get a hybrid model—the only one in the segment—with a remarkable 84MPGe rating.




12 Best New Nonfiction ReadsLearn something new in these great nonfiction reads

Truth is stranger than fiction, as the old saying goes. And, as the following books prove, truth canalso be more entertaining, heartfelt and tragic than some of the most dramatic fiction worlds evercreated. Sourced from the New York Times Hardcover Nonfiction Bestsellers List and Bustle.com,these nonfiction reads offer unique perspectives, insights and stories that will be unforgettable toreaders.

“Portraits of Courage” byGeorge W. Bush

Former President George W. Bushpresents a compilation of storiesand 66 color oil paintings thatcelebrate members of the UnitedStates military.

“The Book of Joy” by the DalaiLama and Desmund Tutu

Even in great suffering, theseauthors have been able to harnessjoy. The Dalai Lama and DesmundTutu, renowned spiritual leaders,share their understanding on howto discover happiness even in thewake of tremendous sadness andsuffering.

“Thank You for Being Late” byThomas L. Friedman

The world is being greatly impacted by climate change, globalization and the lightning speed oftechnology changes and innovations. Author Thomas L. Friedman examines how these influences areforever changing the Earth.

“Letters to a Young Muslim” by Omar Saif Ghobash

Written to his son, author Omar Saif Ghobash shares his thoughts, knowledge and perceptions onterror, extremism and the hardships Muslims all over the globe have to bear.

“The Legacy of Barack Obama: A Consequential President” by Michael D’Antonio

Pulitzer-prize winning writer Michael D’Antonio examines the two terms of former President BarackObama.

“My Live, My Love, My Legacy” by Coretta Scott King, as told to the Rev. Dr. Barbara Reynolds

Coretta Scott King shares with readers her upbringing in the Deep South, her life with her husband,the civil rights movement and her life-long dedication to advocacy.

“Dodge City” by Tom Clavin

Author Tom Clavin takes readers back in time to the wild, wild West with the infamous Wyatt Earpand Bat Masterson as featured characters.

“Unbound: A Story of Snow and Self-Discovery” by Steph Jagger

This memoir tells the tale of author Steph Jagger’s adventure across five continents and ninecountries to fulfill her quest of skiing four million vertical feet in a year.

“Hidden Figures” by Margot Lee Shetterly

The basis for the Oscar-nominated movie of the same name, this book tells the inspiring story of the

brilliant African-American female mathematicians whose accomplishments at NASA changed theworld forever.

“A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea: One Refugee’s Incredible Story of Love, Loss, andSurvival” by Melissa Fleming

This book tells the harrowing survival story of Doaa Al Zamel, a Syrian woman who, with her family,fled a war-ravaged home.

“Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari

Author Yuval Noah Harari takes an investigative and scientific approach to discovering how and whyHomo Sapiens have emerged to be the dominant species on planet Earth.

“Dust Bowl Girls: A Team’s Quest for Basketball Glory” by Lydia Reeder

Hope is the theme of this story. It celebrates the journey of one college team and coach looking toaccomplish amazing things during the Great Depression.

Although this list of 12 nonfiction reads vary in subject, time period and theme, each book givesreaders a page-turning story that rings with truth.




Best Veggies for GrillingFour veggies that should be on your grill this summer

It’s finally spring, which means you’re probably cleaning up your grill and preparing it for entertainingguests all summer long. Whether you’re celebrating Memorial Day weekend with an outdoor cookoutor enjoy grilling your family dinners on a regular basis, it’s important to pick the right food to serve.

This year, why not add vegetables next to those slabs of seasoned meat? These delicious vegetablesare perfect for grilling and will enhance any meal with their robust flavors.

Asparagus

A staple of most grill chefs’ plates,asparagus is the champion ofgrilled vegetables and has areputation for pairing perfectly withred meats.

Following directions from SeriousEats, grilling asparagus is a cinch.Toss the uncooked asparagus intwo tablespoons of olive oil withsalt and pepper. At a high heat, theasparagus will take 5 to 8 minutesto char and should be servedimmediately with an extra drizzle ofolive oil, and a squeeze of lemonfor zest.

Zucchini

Another green vegetable thatshould be on more grills is zucchini. This veggie benefits from a high heat and good char. You canslice it in different ways and season it how you want, but in the end, it’s still a winner.

The Weber grill masters recommend slicing the zucchini lengthwise into strips 1/4-inch thick. Seasonit with olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs like basil and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes per side.You can even marinade the zucchini beforehand for bolder flavors.

Onion

While you wouldn’t cook and serve chunks of onions as a side dish in a meal, they pair excellently withsteaks, chicken, burgers, brats—whatever you’re grilling. Their raw intensity is subdued into warmsweetness when cooked over heat.

The National Onion Association has a wealth of tips for grilling onions. For basic cooking, its expertsrecommend cutting the onions into wedges, leaving the stem/root ends intact to keep the layerstogether. Brush the onion with olive oil, salt and pepper before cooking them in a covered foil pan for15 to 20 minutes. You can add flavor with honey mustard, balsamic vinegar, BBQ sauce or otherdressings.

Eggplant

While it’s not a favorite vegetable for most people, any grill master can turn eggplant into the star ofthe roast.

According to Martha Stewart’s website, it’s important to drain the eggplant for 1 hour before putting iton the grill. After slicing it and letting it sit in a colander over a bowl until the liquid drains, press it withpaper towels until completely dry. Then, lather in olive oil, salt and pepper and cook it overmedium-high heat for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping in between.

If you’re concerned with the mess or cleanliness of cooking vegetables on the grill, just set them inaluminum foil while over the fire. Either way, these healthy eats will make scrumptious additions toyour home-cooked meals.

your home-cooked meals.




Minimalist Mindset: How to Live with LessHow to adopt a minimalist mindset and live with less

Although not scientifically proven, it seems that possessions can take on a life of their own,spontaneously reproducing to fill every nook and cranny of basements, attics, closets and garages.Literally and figuratively, your life and home can be filled to the brim and dangerously close tooverflowing. At this point, even the thought of de-cluttering seems too daunting a task to tackle. But itis possible. Living with less can be a reality if you take steps to set a minimalist mindset.

What is a minimalist mindset?

Joshua Fields Millburn and RyanNicodemus, a.k.a. The Minimalists,succinctly define minimalism as “alifestyle that helps people questionwhat things add value to their lives.By clearing the clutter from life’spath, we can all make room for themost important aspects of life:health, relationships, passion,growth, and contribution.”

They consider minimalism to be atool that you can use to help freeyourself from fear, guilt, worry,depression and excesspossessions. Minimalism does notdeclare that all materialpossessions are evil and to ownthings is wrong. It is a mindset, or ameans, to help you formulate more conscious and deliberate decisions about the things you own orwant to own. According to The Minimalists, minimalism is about practicing “purpose-driven lives.”

Living with less

Paring down possessions takes time and courage because many objects have been assigned asentimental value, required a lot of investment or are considered to be indispensible to a futurescenario. The thought of throwing or giving them away seems inconceivable. However, if you startsmall and go through things or rooms one by one, the process can be manageable and ultimatelyfreeing.

Becoming Minimalist blogger Joshua Becker has, along with his family, adopted a minimalist mindset.He suggests tackling the following areas first as you try to live with less.

Wardrobe

Take a good look at the clothes in your closet and in storage. What haven’t you worn? What doesn’tfit? What is out of style? What don’t you like? By removing those items, you will easily see the clothesyou love to wear.

Home décor

Do you really need all those knick-knacks? What about the catch-all on the counter or the chipped,empty cookie jar? Turn a sharp eye on your home. Does the décor make you happy and reflect yourcurrent style?

Cooking tools

How many designated drawers for junk do you have in your kitchen? Or what about those drawersthat are so jam-packed with utensils that getting them open is a challenge? Take some time to gothrough these drawers and place old, never-used tools into a clear box. Move the box out of thekitchen for a designated time to see if cooking without them is possible.

Countertops

For seven days, keep anything and everything off your countertops. Utilize drawers, cabinets ortemporary storage boxes to determine which things truly need to take residence on the counter.

Screens

If you have multiple televisions in your home, removing some can lead to less tube-watching andmore mindful living.

Kiddie stuff

If ignored, toys will take over. Discern which toys get the most play and the ones that are broken orhave been forgotten. Enlist the help of your kids to weed through the lot, and chances are that lettinggo will be a good exercise for all of you. You might even uncover some new favorites whilede-cluttering.

Taking steps to set a minimalist mindset can lead to a more purposeful way of living.


Documents

IH Credit Union - Credit Lines Newsletter · IH Credit Union - Credit Lines Newsletter Budgeting for Your First Home Tips for boosting your credit, building a budget and acknowledging